ILOILO City — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned of possible fish kills, declining catches and livelihood losses across Western Visayas.
It urged fishpond operators to harvest early and suspend stocking, noting that the anticipated severe El Niño also threatens the fisheries sector.
BFAR Region 6 director Remia A. Aparri said the agency has intensified monitoring of fishponds and municipal fishing grounds while preparing mitigation measures to cushion the economic impact on coastal communities.
The preparations follow the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) warning that a very strong El Niño is active in the tropical Pacific and could persist into the first half of 2027.
Aparri said the remaining months of 2026 provide a crucial window for preventive action before prolonged dry spells threaten fish production and coastal livelihoods.
“Sa subong, we do information dissemination,” Aparri added.
BFAR-6 particularly advised aquaculture operators to adjust production schedules and harvest their stocks before drought conditions intensify, possibly by January.
Prolonged extreme heat can raise water temperatures in shallow fishponds, reduce dissolved oxygen levels and trigger fish kills, potentially inflicting substantial financial losses on operators.
“I-harvest na nila. And siguro mga January indi na sila mag-stock para ma-minimize ang ila economic losses,” Aparri warned.
Municipal and commercial fishers were likewise urged to limit exposure to extreme heat, particularly during peak daytime temperatures, to avoid heat-related illnesses, skin problems and eye damage.
Beyond preventive advisories, BFAR-6 is coordinating with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local government units to mobilize livelihood assistance and emergency resources for affected fishing communities.
The agency is also encouraging fisherfolk to register and enroll with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to secure financial protection against eligible climate-related production losses.
BFAR-6 warned that rising sea temperatures could disrupt marine ecosystems by reducing nutrient-rich water circulation, altering fish migration patterns and affecting the availability of fish in traditional fishing grounds.
The agency urged fisherfolk to closely monitor changes in catch volumes, fish behavior and unusual fish mortality, and immediately report suspected fish kills to local authorities or the nearest BFAR office.
Such reports, it said, would allow authorities to conduct prompt assessments and deploy appropriate interventions before environmental disruptions result in greater economic losses./PN
